What term describes applying a procedure while only knowing its functionality, without understanding its inner workings?

The term that describes applying a procedure while only knowing its functionality, without needing to understand its inner workings, is procedural abstraction. This concept allows programmers to use functions or procedures without needing to delve into the details of how they work. It emphasizes the "what" of a function instead of the "how," enabling users to focus on high-level problem-solving rather than getting bogged down by complex implementations.

Procedural abstraction is crucial in programming as it fosters code reuse, improves readability, and allows developers to build upon existing code without unnecessary complexity. By using procedures or functions, programmers can break down problems into easier-to-manage parts, which helps in both learning and executing software development tasks. This abstraction is fundamental in creating user-friendly interfaces and in building robust systems.

Other options involve aspects of software design and programming paradigms. Functional programming focuses on functions as the primary building blocks and encourages immutability and first-class functions. Encapsulation is related to bundling data with its methods to restrict access and protect the integrity of the object's state. Modular design refers to the practice of dividing a program into distinct modules that can be developed, tested, and maintained independently. While each of these concepts is important, they do not specifically describe the act of using a procedure